Technovation[MN] Events

2023 Technovation Girls Challenge

Registration is open now! 
https://technovationchallenge.org/get-started/

Launchapalooza Kick-Off

January 7 - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Get ready to kick off the 2023 Technovation Girls season with Launchapalooza!

In this session you’ll get an opportunity to hear the Technovation team recap highlights from last year and this upcoming season, get inspiration from nonprofit and community leaders, and learn about the various programs and challenges available through Technovation[MN]. If you’re just starting your technology journey, we’ll also be sharing information about this year’s NEW Byte-Sized Challenge — you don’t want to miss this opportunity!

For more information about hands-on Thunkable programming training, check out the Rebecca Code Explorer sessions that are offered throughout the season – you and your mentors can swing in for help at any session! 

Open Forum for Students and Mentors

February 1 to April 12, 2023 - 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Join us for open forum for the 2023 season, Wednesday evenings February 1st through April 12th. This opportunity is just for you. Get your questions answered as you connect with Technovation[MN] mentors and leadership. We are here to help. Click the join button to enter the zoom call. We look forward to seeing you there!

Pitchapalooza 2023

March 11 - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Telling a compelling story in an engaging way can help you reach a larger audience to use your application. Knowing how to use technology to film and edit a video to promote your application can show your app idea in action. A pitch video is one of the most powerful ways to tell your story!

Technovation[MN] is here to help you continue to develop skills in technology and entrepreneurship. Part of your Technovation Girls challenge submission is to film a pitch video to showcase the value of your app for the judging process.

What should the video include? What should you think about when selecting a video shooting space? What equipment should you plan for? Are there free video editing tools? What are some strategies for filming when we are operating in a socially distanced environment?

Join us for this in-person and virtual event to give you tips and strategies for building an amazing pitch video.

Speakers will be announced soon… See you on March 11!

Technovation[MN] – Design Thinking Workshop

February 4 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Calling all 2023 Technovation[MN] teams! Take a break from coding and engage in a one-of-a-kind Design Thinking workshop. The session will go deep on Design Thinking, a unique approach to problem solving. In this workshop, you will learn skills to help you: 

• Clearly define the community challenge your app is addressing

• Understand your apps end users (who are they, what do they care about, what do they need)

• Brainstorm app development ideas and solutions with your team

• Build 3D and/or paper prototypes of solution ideas

• Present your prototype(s) for peer review

• Implement peer feedback into your prototype(s)

You will leave this session well on your way to building an awesome solution for your Technovation Girls Challenge mobile app. Make the most of this workshop by attending with your whole team and a mentor or teacher! Can’t wrangle the whole crew? Don’t sweat it – you’re welcome to join us individually!

Reminder: A parent or guardian (mentor or educator is also ok) needs to be present for students 13 and under.

Session will be held at Minneapolis College and also virtually via Zoom – Choose how you’ll participate when you register.

PREP WORK

The focus of the Design Thinking workshop is your Technovation Girls app. Before the workshop, please speak with 1 to 3 people who could potentially be end-users of your app. Explain the challenge you’re trying to solve then ask questions and take notes about how it affects them. Some example questions include:

1. Where do you get information about __________ ?

2. What do you find most challenging about __________?

3. How much time do you spend thinking about/dealing with __________?

4. How does __________ impact your life/work/community?

5. What is your favorite mobile app and/or website? Why?

If you are unable to interview anyone, come prepared with observations or research about your end users. What is important to them? How do they access information or resources? Why do they do things the way they do? How do they think about the world?